This
page is dedicated to all service members of the Armed Forces and
has additional information on the men and women who are from the
DeKalb County and Valley Head Alabama area.

The Story of TAPS

Author Unknown

We have all heard the haunting melody of "Taps." It's the song that
gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But do you
know the story behind the song?

If not, I think you will be pleased to find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain
Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison' Landing, Virginia.

The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During
the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who was severely wounded
on the field.

Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to
risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling
on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier
and began pulling him toward the encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually
a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and
suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light he saw
the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music
in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted
in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission to give his
son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was only partially
granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members
play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.

The request was denied since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect
for the father, they did say they could give him one musician. The Captain chose
a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found
on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was
granted. The haunting melody, which we now know as "Taps" used at
military funerals, was born. And here are the words:

Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes.
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star,
Gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.

From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.

Let's not forget those service men and women who are away form home, in the
service of their country, giving of their time and sometimes their lives that
we can be safe and secure in this great country of ours.